You know it's important to listen, but do you take the time
to let your employees and colleagues know you heard what they said?
"Letting people know you heard them is a way to let them know
you value their viewpoint, you think they're important and that
you truly are listening," says Andy Levine, president of
Development Counsellors International, a New York City-based firm
specializing in economic development and tourism marketing. Levine
uses the following techniques to let people know he has heard
them:
- Ask questions. Don't just nod your head; ask
pertinent questions that will allow them to clarify and expand on
their thoughts.
- Confirm that you understand by repeating what you've
heard. This may also help them crystallize their point.
- Resist the temptation to make your point while the other
person is making theirs. If you're busy thinking about what
you're going to say, you're probably not listening.
- Take notes. Writing down what someone says demonstrates
that you're listening.
- Follow up. When the conversation requires that you take
some sort of action, do so on a timely basis and then provide
feedback.
"People need to know that what they have to say is heard
and appreciated," says Levine. "Listening is something
you do for yourself; hearing is something you do for the other
person, and it is extremely worthwhile."
Jacquelyn Lynn is a business writer in Winter Park,
Florida.
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